Interlocking aquarium support system with interchangable multifunctional decorative facade

ABSTRACT

The Interlocking Aquarium Support System with Multifunctional Decorative Facade allows for the façade of the aquarium stand to be changed without dismantling the aquarium system. The aquarium is supported end to end at center, front to back and under all sides by vertical supports, a base and top while still providing ample room for storage. The interlocking of the elements prevents movement of the aquarium under load. A foam layer between the aquarium and stand compensate for unevenness and vibration. The stand assembles and disassembles without tools or fasteners and stacks flat when not in use. The removable multifunctional decorative facade is constructed of various materials that provide decor and functionality such as storage, doors, folding sides, graphics, print, and perform functions that enable one to play games of skill or chance inside the aquarium where coin is exchanged for play and the controls are on the façade.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since the creation of the very first aquariums there has been a requirement to safely support the aquarium and its contents, lower the risk of it cracking under the pressure of its own weight, provide storage and add a decorative element to the aquarium display.

The cabinetry that supports aquaria is different from ordinary cabinetry or furniture. The required functions of the aquarium stand pose certain challenges that must be met if the stand is to fulfill its purpose. Considerations of function, strength, weight, moisture, levelness, vibration, storage, size, overall cost, requirements for shipping, shipping costs and decorative elements must be addressed if the support is going to achieve its purpose and be successful in the marketplace. The balance between form and function leave countless variations and opportunities to design an original aquarium stand.

The aquarium stands of the prior art achieve basic function. However, they have associated with them specific problems, inefficiencies and limitations of form and function to which this invention is drawn. The aquarium stand particularly for display purposes is a one-piece unit, usually of furniture quality reinforced to hold weight, provide storage, and designed in a wide variety of styles and finishes to ensure that the finished display blends in with the style and décor of the existing room where the aquarium is to be kept. This basic design poses certain problems. To begin with, the unit is heavy and cumbersome which leads to high costs of shipping and always the possibility of damage while in transit. Factoring in this possibility leads to overall higher prices and possible economic loss if at any point the unit sustains damage while it is sent from the factory to the distributor, to the pet or furniture store, then on to the end user.

Another main problem of aquarium stands of the prior art is that after some time end users change the décor of the room where the aquarium is kept. In order to change the aquarium stand the whole system must be dismantled, the tank, equipment and the animals in the tank must be moved twice. This leads to expensive and time-consuming dismantling and reinstallation of the system. This process exposes the animals to stress, unsettles the established system and of course creates the possibility of breakage during the operation. Furthermore, sometimes the aquarium stand becomes damaged from moisture or corrosion. These custom repairs are expensive and often require the system to be dismantled to effect the repairs or replace the unit.

Where aquariums are set up temporarily, the one-piece unit method is inconvenient and inefficient; this is seen in aquarium shows across the country. People transport, set up and break down aquariums, and often sustain damage to the expensive custom stands. This leads to the requirement for skilled movers and still poses a threat for possible economic loss if in the course of transporting, setting up and breaking down damage occurs to the unit.

Aquarium stands of the prior art perform only two functions: they support the aquarium above the ground and add a decorative element with storage to the aquarium display. However, if the form and function of the aquarium support system is contemplated it becomes obvious that there is so much more function and form that is possible with the aquarium stand. This invention eliminates the problems, inefficiencies, and limitations of the aquarium stands of the prior art. Furthermore, the invention performs new functions and offers new features, benefits and form to the current state of the art of supporting the aquarium and adding functional and decorative elements to the aquarium display.

Given the invention which will be explained and shown in detail, it becomes apparent that what is needed is a new system and method of supporting an aquarium that addresses these problems, inefficiencies and limitations and expands the functions of the aquarium stands methods and systems of the prior art.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the invention; however, for background purposes and as indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following patents found in the search: DATE CLASS/ U.S. PAT NO. ISSUED INVENTOR SUBCLASS 3566808 3/1971 Slate et al. 108/157 D240871 8/1976 Herman D6/32  4179169 12/1979  Daniels et al. 312/257 D254994 5/1980 Miereanu et al. D30/106  4267998 5/1981 Weirch 248/165 4832421 5/1989 Shoffner 312/263 D304982 12/1989  Bush et al.  D6/479 D3211571 11/1991  Lucariello D30/101  D324590 3/1992 Pixler D30/102  5335605 8/1994 Drabuzyk 100/153 5527103 6/1996 Pittman 312/263 5645331 7/1997 Eddy et al. 312/205 5954412 9/1999 Rutherford et al. 312/258 6454261 9/2002 Ohira 273/140 6619601 9/2003 Vall 248/188 6658677 9/2003 Paul  5/280 0089772 5/2004 Albrecht 248/127

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention is to provide a means of supporting an aquarium that provides strength and stability, ease of set up or knockdown, ease of storage while not in use, lower cost and risk during shipping and the ability to change the décor of the aquarium stand without having to dismantle the aquarium system and provide new function to the aquarium stand. The interlocking aquarium support system with interchangeable, multifunctional decorative façade provides a method and means of supporting an aquarium and utilizes a removable interchangeable decorative functional façade that adds new form and function to the current state of the art.

The aquarium support of the system stores or ships unassembled; this reduces the cost of shipping and makes handling and moving the support easy and manageable reducing possible damage. The support of the system may be manufactured of various materials and easily assembles by the interlocking and positioning of its elements without the use of tools or fasting hardware, this lowers overall costs, simplifies, and eliminates the need to construct a complicated piece of furniture. The invention provides complete support and stability to the aquarium and based upon its composite can be water and corrosion proof.

The front facade of the unit is separate yet positioned to cover the support stand and give the appearance that it alone is the complete support structure. It may have doors, may be used for storage and it can be easily replaced to provide a façade of different style or décor, offering another function for the aquarium display without dismantling or disturbing the system. The front façade may be manufactured from a wide variety of materials including wood, plastic or injection molded high-density foam which is faux painted to give the appearance of an intricate elaborately carved custom wood stand. Another material could be simple card board printed with graphics to provide a visual image or printed message.

In one embodiment of the invention, on the façade there is a means to connect optional equipment. This embodiment provides for an illuminated panel where graphics and print are displayed. Another embodiment of the invention provides for a façade to house electronics that control a water proof video monitor or an electronic device that would be connected to the façade by way of a waterproof wiring harness and be submerged in the aquarium. With this embodiment one could play a game of chance or skill in the aquarium with controls that are mounted on the façade outside of the aquarium. In this embodiment the façade is equipped with a means to receive coins in exchange for play.

The interlocking aquarium support system with interchangeable multifunctional façade separates the form and function of the systems of the prior art. The general thrust of the invention is to, with one element of the system, support the aquarium and with another element of the system provide an interchangeable façade that can offer a change of décor and functionality without dismantling the aquarium system.

The façade element of the system may be a one piece element or a front panel with doors and hinged sides. Whether the support system is used in a permanent display or used in a temporary display the façade element of the system easily pulls away from the aquarium and the support element of the system assembles and knocks down easily without the use of tools. It stacks and takes up a minimum amount of space for transportation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VEIWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of the Interlocking Aquarium Support System with Interchangeable Multifunctional Decorative Façade.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the Interlocking Aquarium Support System with Interchangeable Multifunctional Decorative Façade.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative drawing of a further embodiment of the Interlocking Aquarium Support System with Interchangeable Multifunctional Decorative Façade.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative drawing of a further embodiment of the Interlocking Aquarium Support System with Interchangeable Multifunctional Decorative Façade.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative drawing of a further embodiment of the Interlocking Aquarium Support System with Interchangeable Multifunctional Decorative Façade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The interlocking aquarium support system that utilizes an interchangeable multifunctional façade is comprised of a base (1), lower rail (2), vertical supports (3), an upper rail (4) a top (5), a layer of foam (6) and an interchangeable multifunctional decorative façade (7). The base, four vertical supports and top can be made of various materials or composites. The preferred embodiment of the invention (FIG. 1) uses ¾ inch plywood to form the base, vertical supports and top, and 2×4 wood studs to form the lower and upper rails. The lower rail is by a means permanently attached to the top of the base and of a size and shape that puts it at the outer perimeter of the base. The upper rail is by a means permanently attached to the bottom of the top and is of a size and shape that puts it at the outer perimeter of the bottom of the top. On the upper surface of the lower rail are cut six notches (8) spaced equally around the circumference of the rail. On the upper rail on the bottom surface are cut six notches (9) spaced equally around the circumference of the rail. All of the notches of the lower and upper rails are of the same size and shape and lock the vertical supports in place preventing movement of the aquarium stand under load.

The four vertical supports are of identical size and shape, cut from the center of one side of each of the vertical supports to the center of each of the supports are notches (10) forming channels of the same width of the supports by which two vertical supports can be interlocked and the other two vertical supports can be interlocked to form a pair of center supports. At all the comers of the vertical supports are cut notches (11) all of the same size and shape that communicate with the notches and inside sides of the lower and upper rails and the upper surface of the base inside the lower rail and the bottom surface of the top inside the upper rail. This communication of elements prevents forward, backward, diagonal, side to side and twisting movement of the aquarium stand under load and provides massive support strength. This arrangement of the pair of center supports sandwiched between base and top, interlocked and set in notches aligns at least one vertical support under the side walls of the aquarium and at least two vertical supports under the front and back walls of the aquarium as well as a vertical support running end to end and centered under the aquarium.

The layer of foam is placed between the top of the stand and the bottom of the aquarium (12). This foam layer provides support, compensates for unevenness and buffers vibration. The foam is at least ⅜ inch thick, has a vibration buffering quality and is the size and shape of the bottom of the aquarium.

The interchangeable decorative façade is designed to surround the stand and aquarium and provide a separate element that can be removed and replaced to change the outer appearance and add function to the aquarium stand. In the preferred embodiment of the invention (FIG. 1) the façade (7) is a one piece high density foam injected faux painted piece that exhibits detail and architectural elements that give the aquarium stand the look of antiquity at a cost far less than duplicating the same in custom wood cabinetry while providing the opportunity to change the façade and give the aquarium display a different décor.

A further embodiment of the invention (FIG. 3) provides for the façade (7) to be fabricated from wood paneling designed with at least one door (20) to access storage where the sides (21) are hinged and fold in for easy storage and transportation. This embodiment gives the look and feel of a real wood stand yet at a lesser cost. This savings results from the use of light weight paneling not needing structural elements to support an aquarium.

A further embodiment of the invention (FIG. 4) provides for a façade that has a means (19) for displaying graphics or a message that can be changed periodically, once again without disturbing the aquarium system.

A further embodiment of the invention (FIG. 5) provides for a façade that houses electronics (13) that control a waterproof video monitor (14) and electronic device (15) that are submerged in the aquarium and are connected to the façade (7) by way of a water proof wiring harness (16). The controls (17) for the monitor and device are on the façade and allow one to play a game of skill or chance. Located on the front of the façade is a means to accept coins for play (18).

The aquarium stands and support systems of the prior art do not allow for complete center vertical support for the aquarium from end to end while still providing ample storage and giving the aquarium owner the ability to completely change the look and function of the aquarium stand by simply removing and replacing the front façade with out having to dismantle and disturb the whole aquarium system. This invention achieves what aquarium stands and supports of the prior art do not. It has separate form and function in one system. The system provides superior complete support with elements that compensate for vibration, unevenness, provide for storage, offer a simple process for changing the style and décor and function of the stand, and assembles and disassembles and stacks without the use of tools or fasteners. These benefits reduce overall cost, shipping cost, and eliminate the need for the complex engineering of a one piece custom hand made cabinet that has limited function. The invention creates a way to separate all that is decorative from all that is structural and adds new function to the aquarium stand.

The Interlocking Aquarium Support System with Interchangeable Multifunctional Decorative Façade in the preferred embodiment (FIG. 2) provides a design that can be executed by the use of one 4′×8′ sheet of ¾ inch plywood and two 10′ 2×4 wood studs, 20 3″ nails a piece of foam and a light weight decorative façade. All of the plywood forming the base, top, and vertical walls are cut to the same size 18″×36″. In this embodiment the front can be the back and the top can be the bottom and installation leaves very little room for error. One stand can be used to support an aquarium that is 18″ wide by 36″ long and two stands can be used to support an aquarium that is 18″ wide by 72″ long. Both are popular sizes in the aquarium industry.

While the preceding descriptions are directed to multiple embodiments of the invention, and the invention has been described in complete detail and illustrated in the drawings, it is not to be limited to such embodiments and details since many changes and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The invention is described to cover any and all modifications, forms and arrangements which may come within the language and scope of the appended claims. 

1. I claim an aquarium support system with removable multifunctional decorative façade that comprises a base, top, vertical supports, layer of foam and removable multifunctional decorative façade wherein: the base comprising a flat surface with dimensions of that of the circumference of the aquarium, of strength that can support the aquarium and its contents, where a rail of the same outer dimension and similar strength is mounted by a permanent means to the upper surface of said base at the outer perimeter of said base where at least six notches all of the same size and shape are cut into the top surface of said rail; the top comprising a flat surface with a similar strength of the base, and dimensions of that of the circumference of an aquarium, where a rail of the same outer dimension and similar strength of said top is mounted by a permanent means to the bottom surface of said top at the outer perimeter of said bottom surface where at least six notches all of the same size and shape are cut into the bottom surface of said rail; the vertical supports comprising similar strength of the base and top, where all said supports are the same height and said supports are at least four in number, where said supports are notched from the center of an end to the center of the support, where the notches form straight channels all of the same length and width that receive the opening of the channels from at least one other vertical support to interlock and form an exact fit where the tops and bottoms of the interlocked vertical supports are even and where the vertical supports are perpendicular to one another at their intersection, where at least one vertical support runs the length of the aquarium end to end, at an equal distance from the front and back sides of the aquarium, where cut into the outer most comers of the vertical supports are notches that form two sides where the horizontal sides of the notches are the same size as the thickness of the lower and upper rails and the vertical sides of the notches are the same size as the distance from the bottoms and tops of the notches of the lower and upper rails to the opposite sides of the lower and upper rails, where the interlocked vertical supports fit between said base and top where the notches of the outer corners of the vertical supports communicate with the notches and inside sides of the lower and upper rails and the tops and bottoms of the vertical supports communicate with the inside surfaces of the base and top, within the rails; a layer of foam comprising material of uniform thickness of at least ⅜ inch, where said foam has support and vibration dampening qualities, where it is of the same size and shape of the circumference of the aquarium and where said foam is positioned on the top of the support and under the aquarium; the interchangeable façade comprising a shape and size that allows it to cover the shape and size of the support, of composition that forms a rigid structure where there may be at least one opening and there may be at least one means to cover said opening and where said façade has at least one side, where said façade may have additional sides that may by a means fold in or out, where in the out position said façade may stand up and support itself in a stable manner where said façade is of composition that may be painted, stained, dyed, printed, formed, molded, attached to, decorated and constructed in any fashion as to provide visual images, graphics, printed messages, décor, three dimensional shapes, textures, architectural features, a means of illumination, a means of transparency, a means of electronics that can collect and return money, tokens, tickets, retrieve and add data to a magnetic strip on a plastic card, control lights, sounds, send video or phone signals, receive video or phone signals, process information and store information temporarily or permanently on a hard drive or removable disk, play games of chance or skill, provide a means of control and programming that can send commands to a waterproof video monitor or electronic device by either remote control or thru waterproof wiring where said waterproof video monitor or electronic device is installed inside or outside the aquarium and can operate under water by said means of control located on the façade outside of the aquarium, where said façade is connected to the support by a removable means where the decorative, multifunctional facade may have a smaller matching counterpart that sits on top of the aquarium to add symmetry and function to the complete aquarium display.
 2. The base, top, rails, vertical supports, and façade of claim 1 wherein they are by a means treated to repel water and corrosive substances such as aquarium salt.
 3. The façade of claim 1 further comprising components that are removable by a means and mounted to said façade that communicate with the aquarium of the display, perform games of skill or chance, exchange coins for play and display printed messages. 